Defense lawyers contended the government is denying their client his right to a fair trial by repeatedly trashing him in the media.

A federal judge on Thursday instructed Justice Department lawyers to avoid making public remarks that could prejudice the jury in the criminal case against Kilmar Ábrego García, a Salvadoran national indicted last month on human smuggling charges.

A court hearing is scheduled for July 16 to address his custody status and the progression of Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case.